Coming off a seven hit shutout game where he struck out 8, starter James McDonald (2.97 ERA) came back with a second straight strong outing, striking out a career high 10 batters, allowing 7 hits and 3 runs in 7 2/3 innings against the Atlanta Braves tonight. McDonald exited the game leading 9-3 and on his way to his first victory of the season. McDonald left with a pitch count of 114, throwing 72 strikes. McDonald had a rough start allowing a two-run homer in the bottom of the first but settled down and went on to produce the Pirates first 10 strikeout game since Ross Ohlendorf on September 5, 2009 when Ohlendorf struck out 11. McDonald has struck out 18 batters in his last 14 2/3 innings pitched.

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailJeff Locke strikes out career high 9 batters in strong bounce back game Default ThumbnailSP James McDonald, a career .069 hitter, collects only hit in 5-0 shutout loss to Giants Default ThumbnailMcDonald’s struggles to throw strikes a glaring concern after 4th straight disappointing start Default ThumbnailMcDonald strikes out 8, threw no hitter into 7th